In the Abyss of Us

Chapter 2

Eight years, I counted. Eight. That's how long it's been since he left. Maybe if I wish a little harder-

"Earth to Esmee!"

I snapped back to reality. "What is it, James."

"I said, wanna go horseback riding?"

I eagerly nodded. "Beat you to the stables!"

And the race was on. Just like when we were younger, he still kept that same playful smile. It seemed like only yesterday we had met. And I remember it all vividly.

"Esmeree, the king needs you inside the throne room," my maid had said the day I met James.

With my short legs, I remember dashing back inside the palace from picking flowers in mother's exquisite garden.

Bursting through the doors to the throne room, I found father sitting on his majestic throne looking proud and bold like a real king should. Then before him, stood some guy in a fancy uniform with a boy about my age, I assumed. The boy had midnight hair and brown eyes with clothing of a typical commoner.

"There's my darling princess," father beamed. "Esmeree, this is the general and his son. His son will be living with us while his dad serves us. And I need you to make him feel welcome. Show him aroumd, won't you."

The boy looks down. I extend my hand. "Hi little boy."

He still says nothing, earning a little shove from his father.

Ignoring it, I continued. "What's your name?"

Still no reply.

I sighed. "Look here you fool, I'm the princess and you shall answer whether you like it or not."

"Esmeree!" My father scolded. Turning to the general he apologized.

"Daddy, make him talk!"

"If he doesn't want to just leave him be," he said.

I pursed my lips. "Well I think he's broken."

"I can talk, alright," the boy said.

My eyes widen. "I knew you could!"

"And my name's James, okay."

"Hi, James!" Taking his hand, I pulled him out the room. "I'll give you a tour of my home."

"It must be nice living here," he muttered.

Finally, shaking those memories away, I smiled. I'm glad James came even though I acted like a brat to him the first couple of days. But I wouldn't trade those days if it meant I could be with my dearest friend.